System and method for extending a breakout in a broadcasting environment

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a system and method for extending a breakout in a broadcasting environment. In one example, a method involves: (i) receiving a traffic log including traffic log entries, each corresponding to a VC and a start time; (ii) operating in a traffic log mode comprising; (iii) receiving a breakout-mode request; (iv) responsive to receiving the breakout-mode request, (a) terminating operation of the traffic log mode, (b) generating a simulation log, and (c) operating in a first breakout mode; (v) receiving a breakout-extension request; (vi) responsive to receiving the breakout-extension request, terminating operation of the first breakout-mode, and operating in a custom log mode; and (vii) responsive to all the VCs indicated in the generated custom log being sent to the air-chain system, terminating operation of the custom log mode, and operating in a second breakout mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/629,519, filed on Sep. 27, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/542,103, entitled “System andMethod for a Master Controller,” filed on Sep. 30, 2011, the latter ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This disclosure also relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/629,515, entitled “System and Method for Rejoining a Traffic Log ModeAfter a Breakout in a Broadcasting Environment,” filed on Sep. 27, 2012,which is assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure, and whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY

Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivativesof such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless theparticular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:

-   -   “a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”    -   “the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”    -   the term “video” refers broadly to any material represented in a        video format (i.e., having a plurality of frames). In some        instances, video may include a plurality of sequential frames        that are identical or nearly identical, and that may give the        impression of a “still” image. Video may or may not include an        audio portion.    -   the term “audio” refers broadly to any material represented in        an audio format.    -   The term “media-component” (MC) refers to video or audio that        one of ordinary skill in the art would typically consider to be        self-contained, and that is typically separately scheduled by a        traffic system in a broadcasting environment.    -   the term “video-component” (VC) refers to a particular type of        MC, namely one that includes video, and that is typically        separately scheduled by a traffic system in a        television-broadcasting environment. There are several types of        VCs, including, for example, a show-segment VC, such as a        six-minute segment of a news program or a five-minute segment of        an episode of a sitcom. Another example type of VC is a        commercial VC, such as a thirty-second advertisement for a        product. Yet another example type of VC is a promotion VC, such        as a fifteen-second promotion for a news program.    -   The term “audio-component” (AC) refers to a particular type of        MC, namely one that contains audio, and that is typically        separately scheduled by a scheduling traffic system in a        radio-broadcasting environment. Similar to a VC, there are        several types of ACs, including for example a show-segment AC,        such as a six-minute segment of a news program. Another example        type of AC is a commercial AC, such as a thirty-second        advertisement for a product. Yet another example type of AC is a        promotion AC, such as a fifteen-second promotion for a news        program.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed system and method relates to broadcastingtechnology, inducing for example, television-broadcasting andradio-broadcasting technology.

BACKGROUND

In the field of television broadcasting, traffic systems are softwareand/or hardware packages that may be used, among other things, toschedule and sequence VCs intended for broadcast (e.g., over the air).To schedule VCs, a traffic manager may interact with the traffic systemto create a traffic log. A traffic log may indicate which VCs areintended to be broadcast during a particular time span, and further mayindicate when each VC is intended to be broadcast. A traffic log mayinclude multiple traffic log entries, with each traffic log entrycorresponding to one VC and scheduling data for that VC. The traffic logtherefore may represent the sequence of VCs intended to be broadcastduring the time span. The traffic log may take the form of a table orother data structure.

A traffic system typically communicates with a master control system(MCS), which is the technical hub of a broadcast operation and is thefinal point before a VC is sent to an air-chain system for broadcast.More specifically, the traffic system typically communicates with anautomation system (AS) of the MCS. The AS is the logic center of the MCSand may cause the MCS and/or another entity to perform variousfunctions. Through a communication path, the traffic system may providethe traffic log to the AS, such that the AS may traverse and selecttraffic log entries according to their corresponding scheduling data.The AS may then cause the MCS and/or another entity to perform certainfunctions corresponding to each selected traffic log entry. Suchfunctions typically include the MCS retrieving from a data storage theVC corresponding to the traffic log entry, channeling the VC through oneor more entities within the MCS (e.g., through one or more switches),and sending the VC to an air-chain system for broadcast.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method for sending video to an air-chain system fortelevision broadcast is disclosed. The method involves: (i) receivingfrom a traffic system, a traffic log including traffic log entries, eachcorresponding to a VC and a start time; (ii) operating in a traffic logmode including: traversing the traffic log entries according to thecorresponding start times and a running time, and sending the VCscorresponding to the traversed traffic log entries to the air-chainsystem in sequence; (iii) receiving a breakout-mode request; (iv)responsive to receiving the breakout-mode request, (a) terminatingoperation of the traffic log mode, (b) generating a simulation log thatincludes simulation entries, and that is a copy of at least a portion ofthe traffic log, and (c) operating in a first breakout mode including:sending video received from a breakout source to the air-chain system,traversing the simulation entries according to the corresponding starttimes and the time, generating a missed list that indicates the VCscorresponding to the traversed simulation entries, and generating acustom log that indicates at least a portion of the VCs in the generatedmissed list; (v) receiving a breakout-extension request; (vi) responsiveto receiving the breakout-extension request, terminating operation ofthe first breakout-mode, and operating in a custom log mode includingtraversing and sending the VCs indicated in the generated custom log tothe air-chain system in sequence; and (vii) responsive to all the VCsindicated in the generated custom log being sent to the air-chainsystem, terminating operation of the custom log mode, and operating in asecond breakout mode including sending video received from the breakoutsource to the air-chain system.

In another aspect, a method for sending video to an air-chain system fortelevision broadcast is disclosed. The method involves: (i) receivingfrom a traffic system, a traffic log including traffic log entries, eachcorresponding to a VC and a start time; (ii) operating in a traffic logmode including: traversing the traffic log entries according to thecorresponding start times and a running time, and sending the VCscorresponding to the traversed traffic log entries to an air-chainsystem in sequence; (iii) receiving a breakout-mode request; (iv)responsive to receiving the breakout-mode request, (a) terminatingoperation of the traffic log mode, (b) generating a simulation log thatincludes simulation entries, and that is a copy of at least a portion ofthe traffic log, and (c) operating in a first breakout mode including:sending video received from a first breakout source to the air-chainsystem, traversing the simulation entries according to the correspondingstart times and the time, generating a missed list that indicates theVCs corresponding to the traversed simulation entries, and generating acustom log that indicates at least a portion of the VCs in the generatedmissed list; (v) receiving a breakout-extension request; (vi) responsiveto receiving the breakout-extension request, terminating operation ofthe first breakout-mode, and operating in a custom log mode includingtraversing and sending the VCs indicated in the generated custom log tothe air-chain system in sequence; and (vii) responsive to all the VCsindicated in the generated custom log being sent to the air-chainsystem, terminating operation of the custom log mode, and operating in asecond breakout mode including sending video received from a secondbreakout source to the air-chain system, wherein the first breakoutsource is different from the second breakout source.

In another aspect, a method for sending video to an air-chain system fortelevision broadcast is disclosed. The method involves: (i) receivingfrom a traffic system, a traffic log including traffic log entries, eachcorresponding to a VC and a start time; (ii) operating in a traffic logmode including: traversing the traffic log entries according to thecorresponding start times and a running time, and sending the VCscorresponding to the traversed traffic log entries to the air-chainsystem in sequence; (iii) receiving a breakout-mode request; (iv)responsive to receiving the breakout-mode request, terminating operationof the traffic log mode, and operating in a breakout mode includingsending video received from a first breakout source to the air-chainsystem; (v) receiving a breakout-extension request; (vi) responsive toreceiving the breakout-extension request, terminating operation of thefirst breakout-mode, and operating in a second breakout includingsending video received from a second breakout source to the air-chainsystem, wherein the first breakout source is different from the secondbreakout source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example television-broadcastsystem.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example traffic system.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example recording and playoutsystem.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an example master controlsystem.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an example air-chain system.

FIG. 6A is a first part of a simplified block diagram of functions of anexample method.

FIG. 6B is a second part of the simplified block diagram.

FIG. 7 shows a set of timelines illustrating an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS I. Overview

In the television-broadcasting industry, traffic systems are provided bymultiple vendors and often include distinguishing features. However, fora variety of reasons such as to provide compatibility, many trafficsystems create logs according to a general industry-wide standard.Likewise, many ASs are configured to receive logs based on thisstandard. A traffic log entry based on this standard typically includescertain attributes. These attributes may be generated automatically(e.g., by the traffic system) or may be provided by a traffic manager.

One such attribute is a house number, which identifies the VC thatcorresponds to the traffic log entry. Typically, the house number is aunique identifier within a broadcasting system and maps to a filelocation in a data storage where the VC is stored. As such, by obtainingthe house number, the AS may use a mapping table to determine thecorresponding file location, and may then retrieve the VC stored in thatfile location. Two examples of well-known traffic systems that use housenumbers in this manner include WO Traffic provided by WideOrbit Inc. ofSan Francisco, Calif., and OSi-Traffic™ provided by Harris Corporationof Melbourne, Fla.

Additional common attributes based on this standard include thoserelating to scheduling data. For example, a traffic log entry may have astart time that represents the intended start time for the correspondingVC, and a duration that represents the duration of the corresponding VC.Other common attributes may include, for example, a title that providesa description of the VC.

Still additional common attributes based on this standard include anepisode number, a segment number, and one or more auxiliary values. Theepisode number identifies a particular episode of a show, and isincluded in a traffic log entry that corresponds to a show-segment VC.The segment number identifies a particular segment number of a show, andis included in a traffic log entry that corresponds to a show-segmentVC. The one or more auxiliary values may be used for notes (e.g., suchthat a traffic manager may provide a note to a master control operatorabout the corresponding traffic log entry).

The above-described attributes are stored within corresponding fields inthe traffic log entry. For example, the house number is stored in ahouse-number field in the traffic log entry. Likewise, the one or moreauxiliary values are stored in one or more auxiliary-value fields in thetraffic log entry.

A traffic log typically spans a twenty-four hour period and is oftenreferred to as “daily” traffic log, although the traffic log often doesnot align with one calendar date. Instead, a traffic log typically spansfrom 5:00 am EST of one date to 5:00 am EST of the next date.Accordingly, a “Mar. 6, 2012 log” may span from 5:00 am EST on Tuesday,Mar. 6, 2012, to 5:00 am EST on Wednesday, Mar. 7, 2012.

While traffic log entries in a traffic log are often traversed asintended, in some instances it may be desired to deviate from thetraffic log as initially received. For example, in response to asporting event being delayed due to weather conditions, it may bedesired to make scheduling changes to and/or otherwise modify thetraffic log. As another example, in response to a breaking news event,it may be desired to interrupt the airing of a VC based on the trafficlog, and instead broadcast breaking news video coverage received from anewsroom production control room. Switching from a typical traversal oftraffic log entries in a traffic log to a feed from a newsroomproduction control room or other source is often referred to in theindustry as a “breakout.”

In one example, a bypass switcher in a MCS may be used to facilitate abreakout. The bypass switcher may be configured to map one of two inputsto an output, which may be connected to an air-chain system forbroadcast. In such a configuration, a first input may receive videoaccording to the traffic log, and the second input may receive videofrom a breakout source (e.g., a newsroom production control room asdescribed above). Therefore, by changing the mapping setting on thebypass switcher from the first input to the second input, the video fromthe breakout source will be broadcast instead of the video according tothe traffic log. Likewise, by changing the mapping setting back, videoaccording to the traffic log may again be broadcast.

The use of a bypass switcher to provide such breakout functionality maycause some undesired results. For example, the mapping setting on abypass switcher is typically one that is set manually. Therefore, a usermay need to manually change the mapping setting at the preciselyappropriate times (e.g., both when a breakout begins and when it ends).Also, while the breakout source may be sending the video that isactually being broadcast, the AS continues to traverse traffic logentries and channel corresponding VCs through one or more entities inthe MCS (although the VCs will not be sent through the bypass switcher,so they are not broadcast). As such the AS may be “unaware” that thebreakout has occurred. Among other things, this may cause issues inconnection with the as-run log, which is typically generated by an ASand serves to identify which VCs were actually broadcast for billing andother purposes. Since the AS may be unaware that VCs are not actuallyreaching the air-chain system, it may improperly identify a VC as beingbroadcast when that is not the case.

Finally, in some instances, a breakout may have an usually long duration(e.g., due to a breaking news story where significant coverage isprovided). In these instances, it may be desired to “extend” thebreakout by splitting it into two or more parts, perhaps being separatedby some other video (e.g., VCs that were missed due to the breakout), Intraditional broadcasting systems, providing such functionality isparticularly difficult given that the AS may be unaware that thebreakout is even occurring in the first place. Indeed, providing suchfunctionality may require a user to manually retrieve VCs, and thenmanually configure the bypass switcher and/or other entities in the MCSat the exact appropriate times to toggle back and forth between videofrom a breakout source and another source (e.g., one playing out VCs).

In one aspect of the presently disclosed system and method, in responseto a breakout, an AS may generate a simulation log, and may use thesimulation log to generate a missed list indicating VCs that are missedas a result of the breakout. Next, the AS may generate a custom log thatincludes one or more of the VCs indicated in the generated missed list.Then, the AS may leave a first breakout mode, broadcast VCs in thecustom log, and enter a second breakout mode. Among other things, thisallows the AS to broadcast VCs that are missed due to a breakout in atimely manner. Further, by employing select techniques, the AS mayprovide for seamless “extending” the breakout with video from two ormore different breakout sources (e.g., a different source for each ofthe two breakout modes). These and other aspects of the present systemand method are described in greater detail below.

II. Example Television-Broadcasting System

FIG. 1 shows an example television-broadcasting system, generallydesignated 100. The television-broadcasting system 100 may include atraffic system 200, a recording and playout system (RAPS) 300, a MCS400, and an air-chain system 500. The MCS 400 may serve as the hub ofthe television-broadcasting system 100 and may connect to each of thetraffic system 200, the RAPS 300, and the air-chain system 500.Generally, the television-broadcasting system 100 may be configured suchthat video may be sent from the RAPS 300 (or another source), throughthe MCS 400, and to the air-chain system 500 for television broadcast(e.g., over the air or over Internet Protocol (IP).

A. Traffic System

FIG. 2 shows the traffic system 200 in greater detail. The trafficsystem 200 may be configured for creating and sending a traffic log tothe MCS 300, and may include a data storage 202 and a communicationinterface 204, both of which may be connected to each other via aconnection mechanism (e.g., a bus) 206. The traffic system 200 may beconfigured to store traffic logs in the data storage 202, and to sendthe stored traffic logs, via the communication interface 204, to the MCS300. As discussed above, two example traffic systems are WO Trafficprovided by WideOrbit Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., and OSi-Traffic™provided by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.

B. RAPS

FIG. 3 shows the RAPS 300 in greater detail. The RAPS 300 may beconfigured to record and playout VCs for use by the MCS 400, and mayinclude a recording-and-playout device (RAPD) 302, a data storage 304, amanagement system 306, and a communication interface 308, each of whichmay be connected to each other via a connection mechanism 310.

The RAPD 302 may be configured to record VCs (e.g., a VC retrieved fromthe data storage 304) and playout (i.e. send) VCs, via the MCS 400, tothe air-chain system 500. The RAPD 302 may include a data storage 312and an output 314, both of which may be connected to each other by aconnection mechanism (not shown). The data storage 312 may be used forstoring VCs that may be sent via the output 314. The management system306 may be configured to manage the RAPD 302 by organizing and movingVCs back-and-forth between the RAPD and the data storage 304. Thecommunication interface 308 may connect the RAPS 300 to the MCS 400 orto another entity. An example of a RAPD is the K2 server provided byGrass Valley™ of San Francisco, Calif.

C. MCS

FIG. 4 shows the MCS 400 in greater detail. The MCS 400 may beconfigured to receive video (e.g., a VC sent from the RAPD or breakoutvideo sent from one of at least two breakout sources 401 a, 401 b),channel the video though one or more entities, and send the video to theair-chain system 500 for television broadcast. In one example, the MCS400 includes a router 402, a stunt switcher 404, a bypass switcher 406,and an AS 408, each of which may be connected to each other by aconnection mechanism (not shown).

The router 402 may be configured to map two or more source entities totwo or more destination entities, and may include two or more inputs,including for example, a first input 412, a second input 414, and athird input 415, and two or more outputs, including for example, a firstoutput 416, a second output 418, and a third output 419. The inputs 412,414, 415 and the outputs 416, 418, 419 may each be connected to eachother by a connection mechanism (not shown).

The RAPD 302 may be connected to the router 402 via the output 314 andthe input 412. The first breakout source 401 a may be connected to therouter 402 via an output 403 a on the first breakout source 401 a andthe input 414. The second breakout source 402 b may be connected to therouter 402 via an output 403 b on the second breakout source 401 b andthe input 415. An example of a router is the Blackmagic Design Videohubprovided by Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd. Of Fremont, Calif.

The stunt switcher 404 may be configured to map a source entity to adestination entity, and may include two or more inputs, including, forexample, a first input 420, a second input 422, and a third input 423,and two or more outputs, including, for example, a first output 424, asecond output 426, and a third output 427. The stunt switcher may alsoinclude a data storage 428. The inputs 420, 422, 423, the outputs 424,426, 427, and the data storage 428 may each be connected to each otherby a connection mechanism (not shown).

The router 402 may be connected to the stunt switcher 404 via the output416 and the input 420. The router 402 may also be connected to the stuntswitcher 404 via the output 418 and the input 422. The router 402 mayalso be connected to the stunt switcher 404 via the output 419 and theinput 423.

The stunt switcher 404 may also be configured to provide graphicaloverlay and other video effects (sometimes referred to as “stunt work”or “digital video effects”) to received video before it is sent out. Thestunt switcher may store effect data in the data storage 428. An exampleof a stunt switcher is the Miranda NVISION NVS5100MC provided byNVision, Inc. of Coppell, Tex.

The bypass switcher 406 may be configured to map a source entity to adestination entity. The bypass switcher 406 may include at least twoinputs including, for example, a first input 430, a second input 432,and a third input 433, and an output 434, each of which may be connectedto each other by a connection mechanism (not shown). The stunt switcher404 may be connected to the bypass switcher 406 via the output 424 andthe input 430. The stunt switcher 404 may also be connected to thebypass switcher 406 via the output 426 and the input 432. The stuntswitcher 404 may also be connected to the bypass switcher 406 via theoutput 427 and the input 433.

Accordingly, provided that the router 402, the stunt switcher 404, andthe bypass switcher 406 all have the appropriate input-to-outputmappings, a VC sent from the RAPD 302 to the MCS 400 may be channeledthrough the entities in the MCS and sent out the MCS. Likewise, providedthat the router 402, the stunt switcher 404, and the bypass switcher 406all have the appropriate input-to-output mappings, video sent from thefirst breakout source 401 a to the MCS 400 may be channeled through theentities in the MCS and sent out the MCS. Yet further, provided that therouter 402, the stunt switcher 404, and the bypass switcher 406 all havethe appropriate input-to-output mappings, video sent from the secondbreakout source 401 b to the MCS 400 may be channeled through theentities in the MCS and sent out the MCS.

The AS 410 may be configured to perform or to cause performance of oneor more functions related to the system 100. The AS 410 may include aprocessor 438, a data storage 440, a user-interface 442 (e.g., includinga display device), and a communication interface 444, all of which maybe connected by a connection mechanism (not shown). The processor 438may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g.,microprocessors) and/or special-purpose processors (e.g., digital signalprocessors and/or application specific integrated circuits).

The data storage 440 may include one or more volatile and/ornon-volatile storage components and may be integrated in whole or inpart with the processor 438. The data storage 440 may take the form of anon-transitory computer-readable medium and may contain programinstructions, that when executed by the processor 438, cause performanceof one or more functions. For example, the AS 408 may cause the trafficsystem 200, the RAPS 300, the MCS 400, the air-chain system 500, anentity included therein, and/or another entity to perform one of more ofthe functions described in this disclosure. The AS 410 may cause suchfunctions to be performed by sending instructions and/or other data viaa corresponding communication interface and/or connection mechanism. TheAS 408 may receive data via the same path. In one example, the AS 408sends and receives data via a video disk control protocol (VDCP).

D. Air-Chain System

FIG. 5 shows the air-chain system 500 in greater detail. The air-chainsystem 500 may be configured to prepare and broadcast video receivedfrom the MCS 400 to a group of users. The air-chain system 500 mayinclude an encoder 502 and an OBD 504.

The encoder 502 may be configured to receive video from a source entity,generate a transport stream (TS) (that includes the video), and send thegenerated TS to a destination entity. The TS may be described asincluding video, meaning that the TS includes the encoded representationof the video, among other things. The encoder 502 may include an input506 and an output 508, each of which may be connected by a connectionmechanism (not shown). The bypass switcher 406 may be connected to theencoder 502 via the output 434 and the input 506.

In one example, the encoder 502 may generate a TS by, among otherthings, encoding video based on the high-definitionserial-digital-interface (HD-SDI) standard to video based on the MPEG 2standard. An example of an encoder is the NetVX provided by HarrisCorporation of Melbourne, Fla.

The OBD 504 may be configured to receive a TS from a source entity, andbroadcast the TS (i.e., including video) to multiple destinationentities. The OBD 504 may include an input 510, and the encoder 502 maybe connected to the OBD via the output 508 and the input 510. The OBD504 may be a transmitter, satellite, terrestrial fiber transmitter, ornetwork connection (e.g., for an Internet feed) that may correspond witha service provider.

The television-broadcasting system 100 described above is onenon-limiting example. Indeed, the presently disclosed system may includesome or all of the entities discussed above, and may be arranged indifferent ways as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.As one example, in the MCS 400, the breakout sources 401 a, 401 b mayconnect directly to the bypass switcher 406 (i.e., omitting the router402 and the stunt switcher 404). As another example, the data storage304 and the management system 306 may be included in the MCS 400, ratherthan in the RAPS 300.

III. First Set of Example Methods

FIG. 6 (parts A and B) shows a flow chart illustrating functions inaccordance with a first set of example methods. At block 602, the methodmay involve the AS 408 receiving a traffic log from the traffic system200.

The traffic log may include traffic log entries, each corresponding to aVC and a start time. The start time may be specified in a variety ofways, such as in an hour::minute::second format or anhour::minute::second::frame format. However, for simplicity, start timeswill be referenced in this disclosure using whole numbers representingunits of time. For example, a first traffic log entry may correspond toa VC A and a start time 0, and a second traffic log entry may correspondto a VC B and a start time 5. As such, the VC B is scheduled to start 5time units (e.g., minutes) after the VC A.

FIG. 7 shows an example traffic timeline 702 based on an example trafficlog. The traffic timeline 702 shows VCs A-G, each with correspondingstart times. As indicated by the “key” 704, select VCs are show-segmentVCs (namely, the VCs A, D, and G), and selected VCs are commercial VCs(namely, the VCs B, C, E, and F). The traffic timeline 702 may beappropriately described as an “expected” traffic timeline since abreakout event may cause other video (i.e., not in accordance with thetraffic log) to be broadcast. For clarity, the video that is actuallybroadcast is shown by way of an as-run timeline, an example of which isalso shown in FIG. 7, and which is generally designated 706. Notably,since the as-run logs described herein reflect what video is actuallybeing broadcast, these may be used for billing and other relatedpurposes. Difference between the traffic timeline 702 and the as-runtimeline 706 (resulting from a breakout) are discussed in greater detailbelow.

At block 604, the method may involve the AS 408 operating in a trafficlog mode. As used throughout this disclosure, operating in a mode refersto performing one or more functions associated with that mode, examplesof which are described herein. The AS 408 operating in the traffic logmode may involve the AS 408 traversing the traffic log entries accordingto the corresponding start times and a running time (e.g., provided by aclock), and sending the VCs corresponding to the traversed traffic logentries to the air-chain system 500 in sequence (as the traffic logentries are traversed). For example, as shown up to the time 5.5 in theas-run timeline 706, the AS 408 operates in the traffic log mode suchthat the VC A and a portion of the VC B are traversed and sent to theair-chain system 500 for broadcast. As shown in the as-run timeline 706(and other timelines), a portion of a VC is represented with a “′”(e.g., B′ indicates that a portion of the VC B is broadcast).

At block 606, the method may involve the AS 408 receiving abreakout-mode request. In one example, the breakout-mode request may bereceived from a user via the user interface 442. As such, a mastercontrol operator may determine that a breakout is appropriate (e.g., inresponse to receiving a notification that video from a newsroomproduction control room should be broadcast instead of the VCs accordingto the traffic log), and therefore the operator may request that the AS408 operate in a breakout mode. In one example, the AS 408 may alsoreceive a selection of a particular breakout source to be used for thebreakout, again such as via the user interface 442. Notably, while therouter 402 is shown connected to two breakout sources 401 a, 401 b, therouter 402 may be connected to additional breakout sources (viaadditional inputs) as desired. A breakout source may be any source thatmay send video, including for example a newsroom production control roomor a satellite.

Responsive to the AS 408 receiving the breakout-mode request, the AS mayperform the functions in blocks 608, 610, and 612. At block 608, themethod may involve the AS 408 terminating operation of the traffic logmode. At block 610, the method may involve the AS 408 generating asimulation log that includes simulation entries, and that is a copy ofat least a portion of the traffic log. In one example, the generatedsimulation log may be a copy of the traffic log starting at the positionwhere the traffic log mode was terminated (i.e., at time 5.5 in theexample represented in FIG. 7) and ending at the end of the traffic log(i.e., at time 16 in the example represented in FIG. 7). An examplesimulation timeline based on the simulation log is generally designated708.

At block 612, the method may involve the AS 408 operating in a firstbreakout mode. The AS 408 operating in the first breakout mode mayinvolve one or more functions. In one example, the AS 408 operating inthe first breakout mode involves four functions.

First, the AS 408 operating in the first breakout mode may involve theAS sending video received from the first breakout source 401 a to theair-chain system 500. In an example where multiple breakout sources areconnected to the router 402, video received from a selected breakoutsource may be sent to the air-chain system 500. In either case, the AS408 may perform this function by changing the mapping settings on one ormore of the router 402, the stunt switcher 404, and the bypass switcher406 as appropriate such that the video from an appropriate breakoutsource is sent out the MCS 400.

Second, the AS 408 operating in the first breakout mode may involve theAS traversing the simulation entries according to the correspondingstart times and the (running) time.

Third, the AS operating in the first breakout mode may involve the ASgenerating a missed list that indicates the VCs corresponding to thetraversed simulation entries. For example, as shown on the as-runtimeline 706, in the event that the AS 408 operates in the breakout modefrom the time 5.5 to the time 11.5, the AS 408 may traverse a portion ofthe VC B, the entire VC C, and a portion of the VC D. Accordingly, anindication of the VCs B, C, and D may be added to the generated missedlist. The generated missed list therefore represents VCs that werescheduled to be broadcast, but which were not due to the breakout, andthat may be desired to be scheduled again following the breakout.

In one example, the generated missed list may include any VCcorresponding to the traversed simulation entries, that is, includingthose that were partially broadcast, such as VCs B and D in the exampleprovided above. However, in another example, the generated missed listmay only include VCs corresponding to the traversed simulation entrieswhere no portion of the VC was broadcast. In yet another example, thedetermination as to whether to include such partially broadcast VCs maydepend on the type of VC and/or the portion of the VC that wasbroadcast. For instance, a commercial VC may only be added to thegenerated missed list if less than 75% of the commercial VC wasbroadcast. This may reflect an agreement between the broadcastingcompany and the commercial VC provider that provides that thebroadcasting company will only be paid if at least 75% of the commercialis broadcast. As such, if less than 75% if broadcast, the commercial VCmay appropriately be added to the generated missed list such that it canbe broadcast again in its entirety.

Fourth, the AS 408 operating in the first breakout mode may involve theAS generating a custom log that includes at least a portion of the VCsin the generated missed list. The custom log indicates VCs that, asdescribed in greater detail below, are broadcast after the AS 408terminates operating in the first breakout mode, but before the ASstarts operating in a second breakout mode.

In one example, the generated missed list may be displayed via the userinterface 442, such as for viewing by a master control operator suchthat the operator may select VCs from the missed list for inclusion inthe custom log. Related data, such as the total duration of the VCsindicated in the custom log may also be determined and displayed.Accordingly, the AS 408 may receive custom VC selections via the userinterface 442. In one example, the user interface 442 may take the formof a graphical user interface configured to allow the user to drag anddrop VCs from the missed list into the custom log. The user interface442 may also be configured to allow the user to search for and add oneor more additional VCs that are not included in the missed list (e.g.,those stored in the data storage 304) to the generated custom log,and/or otherwise edit the custom log (e.g., change the order of VCs,etc.) In one example, the user interface may allow custom logs to bestored or retrieved (e.g., in and from the data storage 440).

At block 614, the method may involve the AS 408 receiving abreakout-extension request. In one example, the AS 408 receives thebreakout-extension request from a user via the user interface 442.

At block 616, the method may involve, the AS 408 terminating operationof the first breakout-mode, and operating in a custom log mode. In oneexample, the AS 408 may perform the function at block 616 responsive tothe AS 408 receiving the breakout-extension request. The AS 408operating in the custom log mode may involve the AS 408 traversing andsending VCs indicated in the generated custom log to the air-chainsystem 500 in sequence.

At block 618, the method may involve the AS 408 terminating operation ofthe custom log mode, and operating in a second breakout mode. In oneexample, the AS 408 may perform the function at block 618 responsive toall the VCs indicated in the generated custom log being sent to theair-chain system 500. The AS 408 operating in the second breakout modemay involve one or more functions. In one example, the AS 408 operatingin the second breakout mode involves one function, namely the AS 408sending video received from the first breakout source 401 a to theair-chain system 500. This allows video from the first breakout source(i.e., as used in the first breakout mode) to resume being broadcastfollowing the broadcasting of the VCs indicated in the custom log,thereby “extending” the breakout.

In another example, the AS 408 operating in the second breakout mode mayinvolve the AS 408 sending video received from the second breakoutsource 401 b to the air-chain system 500, where the second breakoutsource 401 b is different from the first breakout source 401 a. In thisexample, a broadcasting company may “extend” a breakout, but with thebreakout including video from two different breakout sources (and VCsfrom the custom log in between).

An example where the AS 408 receives a breakout-extension request willnow be described in connection with the as-run timeline 706. Recallthat, as a result of the AS 408 operating in the traffic log mode, theVC A and a portion of the VC B are broadcast as shown in the as-runtimeline 706. Likewise, as a result of the AS 408 terminating thetraffic log mode, and operating in the first breakout mode, video fromthe first breakout source 401 a interrupts the VC sequencing, and isbroadcast (starting at time 5.5) as shown in the as-run timeline 706.

Recall that in response to the AS 408 receiving the breakout-extensionrequest, the AS 408 may terminate operation of the first breakout mode,and operate in the custom log mode. This mode changed is shown at thetime 11.5 in the as-run timeline 706. Likewise, recall that in responseto all the VCs indicated in the generated custom log being sent to theair-chain system 500 (i.e., operation of custom log mode beingcomplete), the AS 408 may terminate operation of the custom log mode,and operate in the second breakout mode. In the example provided, thegenerated custom log indicates the VCs B and C, each of which have aduration of one minute. Accordingly, the total duration of the VCsindicated in the custom log is two minutes. As such, this mode changewould occur two minutes after the first breakout mode terminates.Therefore, the mode change would occur at the time 13.5 as shown in theas-run timeline 706.

As noted above, the video broadcast in the second breakout mode may bereceived from the same first breakout source 401 a as used in the firstbreakout mode, or it may be received from a different second breakoutsource 401 b. In either case, the AS 408 may configure mapping settingson the router 402, the stunt switcher 404, and the bypass switcher 406to ensure that video from an appropriate breakout source is channeledthrough the MCS 400 and sent to the air-chain system 500 for broadcast.Like the first breakout source, in one example, a selection of thesecond breakout source used in the second breakout mode may be selected(e.g., from a list of potential breakout sources) via the user interface442, such as by a master control operator. For instance, this selectionmay be made by the master control operator together with the operatorsubmitting a breakout-extension request.

In one example, the AS 408 operating in the second breakout mode mayinvolve additional functions, including for example the functionsdescribed above in connection with the first breakout mode. Accordingly,operating in the second breakout mode may involve traversing thesimulation entries according to the corresponding start times and thetime, generating a second missed list that indicates the VCscorresponding to the traversed simulation entries in the second breakoutmode, and generating a second custom log that indicates at least aportion of the VCs in the second generated missed list. This may allowfor the breakout-extension technique to be repeated again (i.e., basedon a new custom log).

V. Example Variations

Following the AS 408 operating in the first breakout mode, as analternative to “extending” the breakout, the AS may instead rejoin thetraffic log mode using one or more of the techniques described in thecross-referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/629,515, entitled“System and Method for Rejoining a Traffic Log Mode After a Breakout ina Broadcasting Environment.”

While each of the examples discussed above provide for the AS 408operating in a custom log mode (after operating in the first breakoutmode, and before operating in the second breakout mode), in someexamples, the function of operating in the custom log mode may beomitted. Accordingly, the functions at blocks 616 and 618 may becombined and partially modified such that responsive to AS 408 receivingthe breakout-extension request, the AS terminates operation of the firstbreakout-mode, and operates in the second breakout mode (as describedabove). Further, in such examples, select functions related to thecustom log (e.g., generating the simulated log, generating the missedlist, and generating the custom log) may be omitted.

While examples have been described in terms of VCs for use in atelevision-broadcasting environment, the presently disclosed system andmethod may also be adapted for use with other multi-user destinationsenvironments, including for example, a radio-broadcasting environment.Like a television-broadcasting system, a radio-broadcasting systems alsoinclude a traffic system (that also create traffic logs with entries),and other entities that parallel those in a television-broadcastingsystem. However, radio-broadcasting system supports audio, but notvideo. Therefore, radio-broadcasting systems may be adapted for use withaudio-components (AC) rather than VCs. As a result, select entitiesand/or functions and described throughout this disclosure may be adaptedaccordingly (e.g., a breakout source may send audio rather than video).Notably, the term MC (and related terms, such as an evergreen MC) mayrefer to either an AC or a VC. In another example, the presentlydisclosed system and method may be adapted for use with anInternet-broadcasting environment (e.g., an environment in which MCs arebroadcast over IP to end-user devices). The term broadcast as used inthis disclosure also includes multicast.

While one or more functions of the presently disclosed method have beendescribed as being performed by the certain entities (e.g., the AS 408),the functions may be performed by any entity, such as those included inthe television-broadcasting system 100 described above. Further, thedescribed steps throughout this application need not be performed in thedisclosed order, although in some examples, an order may be preferred.Also, not all steps need to be performed to achieve the desiredadvantages of the presently disclosed system and method, and thereforenot all steps are required.

Further, while examples have been described in terms of selectembodiments, alterations and permutations of these embodiments will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the use oflogical structures including loops and condition statements can bemodified, interchanged, or restricted without departing from thepresently disclosed system and method. Other changes, substitutions, andalterations are also possible without departing from the presentlydisclosed system and method in its broader aspects as set forth in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for sending video to a system forbroadcast, the method comprising: receiving a first traffic-logincluding first traffic-log entries, each corresponding to a videocomponent (VC) and a start time; operating in a first mode, whereinoperating in the first mode involves: traversing the first traffic-logentries according to the corresponding start times and a running time,and sending the VCs corresponding to the traversed first traffic-logentries to the system in sequence; receiving a first request; responsiveto receiving the first request, (i) terminating operation of the firstmode, (ii) generating a second traffic-log that includes secondtraffic-log entries, and that is a copy of at least a portion of thefirst traffic-log, and (iii) operating in a second mode, whereinoperating in the second mode involves: (a) sending video received from afirst video-source to the system, (b) traversing the second traffic-logentries according to the corresponding start times and the running time,and (c) generating a third traffic-log indicating at least a portion ofthe VCs corresponding to the traversed second traffic-log entries;receiving a second request; responsive to receiving the second request,(i) terminating operation of the second mode, and (ii) operating in athird mode, wherein operating in the third mode involves: traversing andsending the VCs indicated in the generated third traffic-log to thesystem in sequence; and responsive to all the VCs indicated in thegenerated third traffic-log being sent to the system, (i) terminatingoperation of the third mode, and (ii) operating in a fourth mode,wherein operating in the fourth mode involves sending video receivedfrom a second video-source to the system.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving the first request comprises receiving the firstrequest via a user interface.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thegenerated third traffic-log indicates each of the VCs corresponding tothe traversed second traffic-log entries.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: displaying, via a user interface, the generatedthird traffic-log.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstvideo-source and the second video-source are different video sources. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the first video-source and the secondvideo-source are the same video source.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the system comprises an air-chain system.
 8. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed bya processor, cause performance of a set of functions comprising:receiving a first traffic-log including first traffic-log entries, eachcorresponding to a video component (VC) and a start time; operating in afirst mode, wherein operating in the first mode involves: traversing thefirst traffic-log entries according to the corresponding start times anda running time, and sending the VCs corresponding to the traversed firsttraffic-log entries to a system in sequence; receiving a first request;responsive to receiving the first request, (i) terminating operation ofthe first mode, (ii) generating a second traffic-log that includessecond traffic-log entries, and that is a copy of at least a portion ofthe first traffic-log, and (iii) operating in a second mode, whereinoperating in the second mode involves: (a) sending video received from afirst video-source to the system, (b) traversing the second traffic-logentries according to the corresponding start times and the running time,and (c) generating a third traffic-log indicating at least a portion ofthe VCs corresponding to the traversed second traffic-log entries;receiving a second request; responsive to receiving the second request,(i) terminating operation of the second mode, and (ii) operating in athird mode, wherein operating in the third mode involves: traversing andsending the VCs indicated in the generated third traffic-log to thesystem in sequence; and responsive to all the VCs indicated in thegenerated third traffic-log being sent to the system, (i) terminatingoperation of the third mode, and (ii) operating in a fourth mode,wherein operating in the fourth mode involves sending video receivedfrom a second video-source to the system.
 9. The computer-readablemedium of claim 8, wherein receiving the first request comprisesreceiving the first request via a user interface.
 10. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the generated thirdtraffic-log indicates each of the VCs corresponding to the traversedsecond traffic-log entries.
 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 8,the set of functions further comprising: displaying, via a userinterface, the generated third traffic-log.
 12. The computer-readablemedium of claim 8, wherein the first video-source and the secondvideo-source are different video sources.
 13. The computer-readablemedium of claim 8, wherein the first video-source and the secondvideo-source are the same video source.
 14. The computer-readable mediumof claim 8, wherein the system comprises an air-chain system.
 15. Amethod for sending audio to a system for broadcast, the methodcomprising: receiving a first traffic-log including first traffic-logentries, each corresponding to an audio component (AC) and a start time;operating in a first mode, wherein operating in the first mode involves:traversing the first traffic-log entries according to the correspondingstart times and a running time, and sending the ACs corresponding to thetraversed first traffic-log entries to the system in sequence; receivinga first request; responsive to receiving the first request, (i)terminating operation of the first mode, (ii) generating a secondtraffic-log that includes second traffic-log entries, and that is a copyof at least a portion of the first traffic-log, and (iii) operating in asecond mode, wherein operating in the second mode involves: (a) sendingaudio received from a first audio-source to the system, (b) traversingthe second traffic-log entries according to the corresponding starttimes and the running time, and (c) generating a third traffic-logindicating at least a portion of the ACs corresponding to the traversedsecond traffic-log entries; receiving a second request; responsive toreceiving the second request, (i) terminating operation of the secondmode, and (ii) operating in a third mode, wherein operating in the thirdmode involves: traversing and sending the ACs indicated in the generatedthird traffic-log to the system in sequence; and responsive to all theACs indicated in the generated third traffic-log being sent to thesystem, (i) terminating operation of the third mode, and (ii) operatingin a fourth mode, wherein operating in the fourth mode involves sendingaudio received from a second audio-source to the system.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein receiving the first request comprises receiving thefirst request via a user interface.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinthe generated third traffic-log indicates each of the ACs correspondingto the traversed second traffic-log entries.
 18. The method of claim 15,further comprising: displaying, via a user interface, the generatedthird traffic-log.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the firstaudio-source and the second audio-source are different audio sources.20. The method of claim 15, wherein the system comprises an air-chainsystem.